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In cases when there is a need to visualize the posterior part of the tibia and talus, the subtalar joint and the possibility of performing osteosynthesis or arthrodesis, the most optimal is the posterior surgical approach. The article presents a demonstration of successful arthrodesis of the ankle joint using an LCP plate with angular stability of screws from the posterior surgical approach in a patient with renal osteodystrophy receiving renal replacement therapy. The result of treatment according to the AOFAS scale 4 months after the operation was 70 points, the severity of pain according to the VAS was 1/2 point. Clinical and radiological characteristics were assessed as satisfactory, taking into account the severity of the deformity and the severity of osteoporosis against the background of concomitant pathology.

Aim. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative parameters of dyspnea in patients with the fibrotic phenotype of interstitial lung disease associated with coronary artery disease. Material and methods. We examined 49 patients. Among those were 9 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 25 patients with chronic variant of hypersensitive pneumonitis, and 14 patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. The main group consisted of 25 patients with interstitial lung diseases and coronary heart disease; comparison group consisted of 24 patients without ischemic heart disease. Clinical symptoms, questionnaire results, and instrumental study data were analyzed. Results and discussion. Patients with coronary heart disease experienced increased dyspnea earlier (after 3,21 days) than patients without it (after 7,18 days; p

Aim. Evaluation of nanostructural and micromechanical characteristics of erythrocytes and their relationship with the parameters of oxygen transport in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under artificial circulation (AC).Materials and methods. The study involved 30 men with IHD aged 53 to 67 years with a median of 63 years, who underwent planned CABG with AC at the clinic of the Far Eastern Federal University. Blood sampling from patients was carried out before the AC and one day after it from a venous catheter located in the right atrium. Erythrocytes were scanned using a Bioscope Catalyst atomic force microscope (AFM) (Bruker, USA) in combination with an Axiovert 200 inverted microscope (Zeiss, Germany). The micromechanical properties of cell membranes were investigated with the PFQNM-LC-A-CAL cantilevers. The following were recorded: the diameter of erythrocytes, the height of their side, area, volume, membrane rigidity, strength of its adhesion, Young's modulus, elastic deformation. To assess oxygen transport, the oxygen delivery index (DO2I), consumption (VO2I), and extraction ratio (O2ER) were calculated.Results. In one day after CABG, a decrease in DO2I, VO2I, and O2ER was recorded by 14%, 33%, and 16%, respectively, which indicated a limitation in the gas transport function of the blood. Analysis of the AFM characteristics of erythrocytes showed an increase in their area by 35%, in diameter by 6%, in volume by 19%, and the height of the side by 5 times. At the same time, multidirectional changes in the micromechanical properties of erythrocyte membranes were noted: Young's modulus and stiffness decreased by 3.2 and 2 times, respectively; the adhesion force increased by 2.7 times, and the elastic deformation – by 2.2 times. Correlation analysis showed the presence of reliable relationships between indicators of oxygen transport and biomechanical parameters of erythrocyte membranes.Conclusion. A comprehensive analysis of the nanostructural parameters of erythrocytes and oxygen transport expands the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of postperfusion disorders in patients with coronary artery disease after CABG under conditions of cardiopulmonary bypass.

By the interaction of cobalt(II) chloride, sodium hydroxide, and pentafluorobenzoic acid (Hpfb) in water the first heterometallic complex of cobalt with pfb– anions is obtained. According to the X-ray crystallographic analysis, the complex is a cationic 1D polymer with the general formula {[Na2Co(pfb)2(H2O)8](pfb)2}n.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common and treatable medical condition which has a high morbidity if left untreated, progressing to lower extremity edema, skin changes of lipodermatosclerosis, and venous ulceration. Treatment options have significantly expanded over the last several decades, shifting away from the traditional surgical approach to more minimally invasive procedures such as endoluminal venous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation. Even more recently, several techniques using nonthermal methods to ablate varicose veins have been developed, which offer the advantage of not requiring labor-intensive and painful tumescent anesthesia to protect the surrounding tissues. These techniques include mechanochemical ablation, cyanoacrylate closure, or polidocanol microfoam injection and can be offered to a wider range of patients without the need for sedation while offering similar closure rates and improved postprocedure symptom profile. Furthermore, certain patient characteristics which might preclude or complicate the use of thermal ablation methods might not pose a problem with nonthermal nontumescent methods.

Background The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by circannual and geographical variation. The aim of this study was to describe seasonal variation and trends in hospitalizations for AP in the USA with respect to AP etiology. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample data (2000–2016) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project were used. The study population included all primary hospitalizations for AP. Biliary AP (BAP) and alcohol-induced AP (AAP) were distinguished by diagnostic and procedural ICD codes. Seasonal trend decomposition was performed. Results There was a linear increase in annual incidence (per 100 000 population) of AAP in the USA (from 17.0 in 2000 to 22.9 in 2016), while incidence of BAP, equaled 19.9 in 2000, peaked at 22.1 in 2006 and decreased to 17.4 in 2016. AP incidence demonstrated 18% annual incidence amplitude with summer peak and winter trough, more prominent in AAP. In 2016, within AAP, the highest incidence (per 100 000 population) was noted among African-Americans (up to 50.4), followed by males aged 56–70 years (26.5) and Asians of low income (25.5); within BAP, above the average incidence was observed in Hispanic (up to 25.8) and Asian (up to 25.0) population. The most consistent and rapid increase in AP incidence was noted in males aged 56–70 years with an alcoholic etiology (average 6% annual incidence growth). Conclusions The incidence and annual trends of AP vary significantly among demographic and socioeconomic groups and this knowledge may be useful for the planning of healthcare resources and identification of at-risk populations.

Study Objective: To compare the quantitative aspects of shortness of breath in patients with fibrous interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with cardio ischemia; to compare analysis results of the data obtained during functional and instrumental examinations. Study Design: Open comparative study in parallel groups. Materials and Methods. The study included 47 patients with fibrous ILD: 8 patients had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; 25 patients had chronic hypersensitive pneumonitis, and 14 patients had fibrous non-specific interstitial pneumonia. The patients were divided into two groups: study group of 24 patients with fibrous ILD associated with cardio ischemia, and 23 controls with fibrous ILD without cardio ischemia. We analysed clinical symptoms, instrumental examination results, changes in patients’ functional status with and without cardiac pathology. Study Results. In patients with fibrous ILD and cardio ischemia, respiratory symptoms were more intensive than in patients without cardio ischemia. Patients with fibrous ILD and cardio ischemia experienced worsening of their shortness of breath statistically earlier (in 3.15 days) vs patients with isolated fibrous ILD, who had shortness of breath in 7.29 days (p < 0.05). Patients with fibrous ILD and cardio ischemia demonstrated mixed functional changes: restrictive (reduced lung capacity and FVRC) and obstructive disorders (reduced FEV1 and instantaneous exhalation rate, МСВ25); statistically significant reduction in diffusing lung capacity, p < 0.05. A shorter 6-minute walking distance, more marked desaturation (SрO2 reduction by 8.31% in the study group and by 2.12% in controls, p < 0.05), higher scores of Borg Dyspnoea Scale and CRP scale (Clinical, Radiographic, and Physiologic scoring system) demonstrated statistically reduced tolerance to physical exercises in patients with cardio ischemia. CT scans did not reveal any differences in the intensity of interstitial changes in patients of both groups; “ground glass” areas were significantly more intense in patients with cardio ischemia, p < 0.05. Pulmonary hypertension and structural changes in right compartments of heart were recorded in patients in both groups; however, left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction were noted only in patients with cardio ischemia. Conclusion. In patients with fibrous ILD associated with cardio ischemia, intensification of shortness of breath can be a sign of a progressive respiratory disease or a new event: coronary event, atrial fibrillation attack, cardiac failure, chronic cor pulmonale. Assessment of the functional status using Borg Dyspnoea Scale, CRP, Medical Research Council Scale is a tool to identify the reasons of dyspnoea in primary care settings, to develop an algorithm for instrumental differential diagnosis of shortness of breath. Keywords: progressive fibrous interstitial lung diseases, quantification of shortness of breath, cardio ischemia.

Pharmacotherapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is administered through various inhalation devices. The inhalers have different designs, principles of operation and activation methods, the number of steps necessary to prepare the device for use, the resistance that the patient has to overcome with inhalation, and many other characteristics. The suboptimal choice of an inhalation device may affect the clinical outcomes of the disease. Therefore, the guidelines consider replacement of the inhaler to be an alternative to escalation of therapy with treatment failure. When choosing an inhalation device, a number of the patient’s clinical features should be considered, including the patient's ability to induce an inspiration effort. Since devices that estimate the force of inspiratory effort at different resistances are not available in Russian Federation for routine clinical practice, the expert group described some clinical features that may be observed in patients with suboptimal inspiratory flow based on the existing data. Their final choice was made by voting according to the Delphi panel method that accounts for the opinion of each expert.

Background Complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) has been linked to extremes of age, racial and socioeconomic disparities, public insurance, and remote residency. CAA rate has been used from 2005 to 2018 as a health care quality metric, with the assumption that delay in treatment was a main cause of perforation. We studied factors that could contribute to CAA focusing on modifiable factors which could be altered as part of a health care delivery system. Materials and Methods All primary admissions for acute appendicitis (AA) from the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were linked to 2010 state-level physician density data. CAA was distinguished by codes for perforation, generalized peritonitis, or intra-abdominal abscess. A multivariable logistic regression model for CAA prediction was built. Results A total of 288 556 patients were admitted with AA and 86 272 (29.9%) had CAA. Independent factors, linked to CAA, included age outside the 10-39 range (odds ratio (OR) = 2.1-2.4 and all P < .001), male gender (OR = 1.2), malnutrition (OR = 6.2), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.1), chronic anemias (OR = 1.9), nonprivate insurances (OR 1.2-1.5), nonmetropolitan patient’s residence (OR = 1.15), and Midwest region (OR = 1.2). Patient income and physician coverage were not significant factors after adjustment for all other covariates. Highest CAA fraction of 39.6% was noted in rural patients admitted to urban teaching facilities. Discussion Although provider coverage at the state level may seem adequate and not related to increased CAA rates, the distance patients traveled for their definitive surgical care correlated with higher rates of CAA. Adjusting physician distribution into nonurban settings closer to patients could decrease rates of CAA by diminishing time to definitive care.

Clinical observation of multi-cavity lung cancer in a patient with chronic recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis in a 23-year-old patient who underwent annual surgical treatment (papillomatous laser removal) is presented. Pulmonary cavities have been detected and differential diagnosis has been carried out at the annual fluorographic examination. The tactics of surgical intervention is due to the rare occurrence of this pathology, the lack of clinical manifestations and the peculiarities of the radiological picture.

The main objectives of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy are to reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of exacerbations. The article discusses the role of local and systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of COPD as well as various mechanisms of pharmacological influence on it. Approaches to prescribing basic therapy for patients with COPD, recommended by various national and global guidelines (clinical recommendations of the Russian respiratory society, criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)), as well as recommendations on the therapy frequency review are considered. Currently, so-called triple combinations – fixed combinations of double bronchodilators with inhaled glucocorticosteroids – are being developed and registered in the world, and their place and significance in the treatment of COPD raise many discussions. The paper discusses the role of fixed triple combinations in reducing the incidence of COPD exacerbations, the impact on functional and patient-reported outcomes, and provides recommendations for the use of triple combinations in patients with COPD, taking into account the benefit/risk ratio.

The principles of changes in the structure, porosity, thermal conductivity, and strength of a two-dimensional reinforced carbon–carbon composite at different stages of the liquid-phase compaction by coal tar pitches with subsequent carbonization as well as the gas-phase pyrolytic compaction have been investigated. The analysis of effectiveness and the mechanism of the influence of various types of compaction on the properties of the material has been performed.

Some informal youth associations ceased to exist with the collapse of the USSR, but others continue to operate to this day, although the moral convictions of members have changed and modernized. Th...

The review is devoted to the urgent problem of modern pulmonology: the differential diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (ILF). ILF occupies a special place among many interstitial lung diseases for a number of reasons: 1) it is a deadly disease; 2) early diagnosis and adequate antifibrotic therapy significantly extend the life expectancy of patients; 3) anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids) and cytostatics with ILF that are widely used in other forms of interstitial lung diseases are ineffective and accelerate the progression of the process; 4) the commonality of the main clinical signs (increasing respiratory failure) of various interstitial lung diseases. The list of respiratory diseases with which ILF should be differentiated is huge, and if with diffuse lung lesions of a known nature (disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, etc.) with a certain experience/qualification, the diagnosis is relatively simple, then the isolation of ILF from the group of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias always represents certain difficulties. The main methods used in the diagnosis of ILF are summarized taking into account current international and national recommendations.Обзор посвящен актуальной проблеме современной пульмонологии: дифференциальной диагностике идиопатического легочного фиброза (ИЛФ). ИЛФ занимает особое место среди множества интерстициальных болезней легких по ряду причин: 1) это смертельная болезнь; 2) ранняя диагностика и адекватная антифибротическая терапия существенно удлиняют продолжительность жизни больных; 3) широко применяемые при других формах интерстициальных болезней легких противовоспалительные препараты (кортикостероиды) и цитостатики при ИЛФ неэффективны и ускоряют прогрессирование процесса; 4) общность основных клинических признаков (нарастающая дыхательная недостаточность) различных интерстициальных болезней легких. Перечень заболеваний органов дыхания, с которыми следует дифференцировать ИЛФ, огромен, и если с диффузными поражениями легких известной природы (диссеминированный туберкулез легких, пневмокониозы и др.) при определенном опыте/квалификации диагностика относительно проста, то выделение ИЛФ из группы идиопатических интерстициальных пневмоний всегда представляет определенные трудности. Суммируются основные методы, используемые в диагностике ИЛФ, с учетом современных международных и национальных рекомендаций.

The article describes the observation of successful total hip arthroplasty in the patient with atrophic bilateral nonunion of femoral neck with end stage renal disease.Authors declare no conflict of interest.The authors confirm that they respect the rights of the people participated in the study, including obtaining informed consent when it is necessary, and the rules of treatment of animals when they are used in the study. Author Guidelines contains the detailed information.

The purposeof this study was to determine detection rate and clinical and morphological characteristics of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (ML) in patients with respiratory system sarcoidosis (RSS), disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis (DPT) and exogenic allergic alveolitis (EAA).Materials and Methods.Patients (n= 278) with established diagnosis RSS, DPT, EAA were investigated. The cumulative index parameters were determined, hematology test, assessments of pulmonary function, diffuse lung capacity, diffusion coefficient were performed in all patients. Computed tomography of chest organs and morphologic examination of mediastinal lymph node (LN) biopsy were performed.Results.Subjects with newly diagnosed (n= 72) and recurrent (n= 104) disease were observed among patients with RSS (n= 176). ML was observed in 95% of cases, involved bronchopulmonary, bifurcation, paratracheal and paraaortal groups; dimensions of intrathoracic LN (ITLN) were 20.0 ± 1.9 mm. Epitheliocellular granulomas (EG) without necrosis, not fusing with each other, were established morphologically; they were determined in recurrent disease course in association with background fibrosis. In patients with DPT (n= 41), subacute (n= 28) and chronic (n= 13) disease course was noted. With subacute course of DPT in 28.6% of cases, ML of paratracheal and bifurcation groups (dimensions of ITLN – 13.1 ± 0.3 mm) was observed, with chronic course – the enlargement of paratracheal and bronchopulmonary LN (7.7% of cases). EG with necrosis and tendency to fusion was verified histologically; inflammatory process involved LN capsule and could be spread to fatty tissue. In patients with EAA (n= 76), acute (n= 10), subacute (n= 38) and chronic (n= 28) disease courses were observed. With acute EAA course, hyperplasia of ITLN of bifurcation and tracheo-bronchial groups up to 13.5 ± 0.6 mm was observed in 20% of cases. Follicular hyperplasia with widening and edema of hermintative centers was observed at morphological investigation. With subacute EAA course, increased ITLN in bifurcation and broncho-pulmonary groups up to 13.6 ± 0.6 mm were observed in 46% of cases. Formation of histiocytic-macrophagal granulomas without epithelioid cells and deposit precipitation in the plasma cell aggregation areas was found at morphological evaluation. With chronic EAA, ML in broncho-pulmonary and paratracheal groups was detected in 17.8% of cases (enlargement of LN up to 11 ± 0.9 mm). The formation of diffuse and focal fibrosis and hyalinosis was noted morphologically.Conclusion.ML is observed in all granulomatous pulmonary diseases studied, however its rate and severity, composition of involved ITLN groups and character of morphological changes is different which is possible to use in diagnostics.

The objective was to determine the possibilities of using desmopressin and conjugated estrogens during primary hip joint arthroplasty in patients receiving renal replacement therapy.Methods and materials. The material for the study was data on 53 patients with pathology of the hip joint, who underwent primary arthroplasty from 2016 to 2018. All patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=23) – patients not suffering from kidney diseases. Group 2 (n=30) – patients receiving renal replacement therapy. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: 1 subgroup – comparisons, where the combination of desmopressin/conjugated estrogens was not used. 2 subgroup – control, where desmopressin was used at a dosage of 0.4 mg/kg 2 hours before the incision, conjugated estrogens was used at a dosage of 0.6 mg / kg of body weight within 5 days before the operation.Results. In group 1 (patients not suffering from kidney disease), there was no statistically significant difference between the subgroups. In group 2 (patients receiving hemodialysis), there was a statistically significant difference in the volume of blood loss. Thus, in the subgroup without using additional techniques, the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 769.5±389.3 ml; in the second subgroup (using desmopressin and estrogens) – 479.1±245.2 ml. The difference was statistically significant, pConclusion. The additional use of conjugated estrogens at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg of body weight within 5 days before the operation, desmopressin at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg of body weight 2 hours before the incision reduced blood loss by 27.9 %. The use of combination of conjugated estrogens and desmopressin in patients not suffering from kidney disease did not affect the amount of blood loss.

The main goals of COPD therapy are to achieve clinical stability with minimal clinical manifestations and low risk of relapse. The proposed COPD control concept by analogy with asthma has not been quite well characterized yet. COPD control is defined as "the long - term maintenance of a clinical situation with a low impact of symptoms on the patient's life and absence of exacerbations." The situation of clinical control in COPD is considered desirable and potentially achievable for most patients with COPD. Pharmacotherapeutic options for COPD are constantly expanding. The control concept may be useful when the decision on treatment of COPD is made for dynamic adjustment of the therapy volume.Основными целями терапии хронической обструктивной болезни легких (ХОБЛ) является достижение клинической стабильности с наименьшим количеством симптомов и низким риском обострений. Предложенная концепция контроля ХОБЛ по аналогии с бронхиальной астмой пока недостаточно хорошо охарактеризована. Контроль ХОБЛ определяется как «долгосрочное поддержание клинической ситуации с низким воздействием симптомов на жизнь пациента и отсутствием обострений». Ситуация клинического контроля при ХОБЛ рассматривается как желательная и потенциально достижимая для большинства пациентов с ХОБЛ. Возможности фармакологической терапии ХОБЛ постоянно расширяются. Концепция контроля может быть полезна для принятия решения о лечении ХОБЛ для динамической корректировки объема терапии.

The purpose (objective) of the empirical study is the measurement of the accuracy of expert-proctors in detecting cheating in online testing. Sample of the study. 35 test takers passed an online test of general knowledge on the basis of 30 multiple choice questions. Half of the subjects (18 persons) were “artificial cheaters” — they used cheat sheets with correct answers. Methods. The video recording of the testing process included a “screen capture” so that expert-proctors could observe all cursor movements, see a recording of the subject’s facial expressions and a visual focus of attention in a separate window (recording from the front camera), and could listen to the subject pronouncing the task conditions and answers (“oral decision”). 14 experts took part in rating of video recordings, of which 8 experts showed satisfactory results in terms of the level of accuracy in detecting cheating (their accuracy that was measured using the Kappa coefficient was higher than 0.5). Conclusions. A high asymmetric validity of expert assessments is revealed. More accurate experts allowed a negligible (about 5 percent) number of errors of the “false alarm” type, but a relatively large number of errors of the “skip” type. Recommendations are made for the practical use of the expert assessment method in combination with automatic chronometric analysis of the degree of atypical protocols and subsequent control of face-to-face offline testing of all suspected subjects (examinees).

This article presents the issue of diagnosis of two coexisting lung diseases (pulmonary tuberculosis and interstitial lung disease) in a 53-year-old muscovite without chronic diseases. The hard way of diagnostic procedures, which had to go through, is shown: repeated bronchological examination, two videothoracoscopic lung biopsies.

Objective: To describe the use of bronchial thermoplastics (BT) in a female patient with severe hormone-dependent bronchial asthma (BA). Key Points. Because of the history of unsuccessful use of the basic BA therapy and continuous inefficient use of the systemic glucocorticosteroids, the patient underwent a three-session BT. Her condition stabilised on day 5–6 following each BT session: shortness of breath retracted, stridor and sputum discharge disappeared. During a follow-up visit in 6 months, the patient had basic therapy (budesonide with formoterol (Symbicort) 160/4.5μg, 2 doses bid, methylprednisolone 4mg, once daily); she had no complains. The patient had vesicular respiration without stridor; forced expiratoty volume1 was 95%, lung capacity was 113%. Conclusion. Three BT sessions allowed minimising glucocorticosteroids dose, adjusting basic therapy and achieving long-term BA remission. Keywords: bronchial asthma, bronchial thermoplastics, glucocorticosteroids.

The aim of this study was to investigate arterial wall stiffness and its relationship with right ventricle systolic function (RVSF) in patients with interstitial lung disease. Methods . Fifty patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and 26 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were included. Spirometry, body plethysmography were performed, lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), blood gases and arterial wall stiffness were measured. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest was assessed using Kazerooni scale. Results . The aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV, m/s) was increased in 26 (52%) patients with HP and in 14 patients with IPF. Correlation analysis showed statistically significant association between PWV А o and DLCO (p < 0.05), partial oxygen pressure in the arterial blood (PaO2) (p < 0.05), pulmonary fibrosis (p = 0.001), and the extension of ground glass opacities (p < 0.05). Tricuspid annual plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S’) were significantly related to PWV А o, ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and augmentation index (AIx) (p < 0.05). Conclusion . Increased arterial stiffness was often found in patients with HP and IPF. The increased arterial stiffness is associated with hypoxemia, pulmonary fibrosis and decreased lung diffusion capacity. The arterial stiffness is also related to the right ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Purpose: Duplex scanning is a useful noninvasive screening tool for the detection of carotid bifurcation disease. Internal carotid artery (ICA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) and ICA/common carotid artery (CCA) PSV ratios are proven metrics determining 70%-99% ICA stenosis. A potential disadvantage of using dramatically increasing systolic velocity measurements in areas of critical arterial stenosis is flow aliasing. Diastolic velocity should be less influenced by this flow artifact. We evaluate ICA and CCA end diastolic velocity (EDV) metrics in predicting severe ICA stenosis and document the prevalence of an aliasing artifact in a population of patients with critical ICA stenosis. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing carotid duplex assessments and contrast angiography were compared (n = 140). ICA and CCA PSV and EDV were recorded as was evidence of the flow aliasing of ICA waveforms. ICA/CCA PSV and EDV ratios were calculated. Duplex parameters were compared with angiographic ICA measurements. Receiver-operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal criteria to identify ICA stenosis of 70% to 99%. Results: Of 256 carotid bifurcation duplex studies, critical angiographic stenosis was present in 105 arteries. Only four completed arterial duplex scans demonstrated flow aliasing. In three of these patients, systolic metrics were non-diagnostic versus ICA/CCA EDV ratios. An ICA/CCA EDV ratio of 2.3 provided the best combination of sensitivity 73.8% and specificity 75.18%. Conclusion: ICA/CCA diastolic ratios reliably determine 70% or greater ICA stenosis. Flow aliasing infrequently complicates ICA PSV.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor and is currently the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Liver transplantation may provide a curative option for patients with HCC, but some present outside of the transplant criteria. Additionally, as the criteria for liver transplant eligibility in HCC are expanded and the incidence of disease increases, waitlist times are becoming progressively longer, which increases the chance of a patient suffering from disease progression while awaiting an organ becoming ineligible for transplant. Multiple studies have demonstrated the successful use of locoregional therapies, including trans-arterial chemoembolization and trans-arterial radioembolization, in downstaging HCC to within transplant criteria, as well as in preventing progression of disease in patients already listed for transplant. Cirrhotic patients also commonly develop portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which is a contraindication to transplantation at many centers. PVT can lead to worsened outcomes after transplant depending on the type of portal venous reconstruction that is performed. The purpose of this article is to discuss the integral role of interventional radiology in the care of these patients, including the role of transarterial therapies in the pretransplant treatment of HCC and the use of endovascular techniques to recanalize thrombosed portal veins in order to establish or maintain transplant eligibility.

Aim Analysis of all healthcare encounters (readmissions and emergency department visits, EDV) following both inpatient and outpatient abdominal hernia repairs (AHR), with respect to the timeline of such encounters. Material and Methods Patients undergoing AHR were identified in Maryland State Inpatient and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases, 2016-2017, and all their hospital and ED encounters were assembled into a comprehensive database, covering almost 95% of all AHR performed in Maryland. Results Of the total 26,215 patients who underwent AHR (3,333 inpatient and 22,950 outpatient; 48.7% inguinal and 53.0% ventral/umbilical), 5,802 (22.1%) had at least one postoperative encounter (4,186 EDV, 1,415 readmissions, and 248 encounters for mostly outpatient another AHR). 419 (80.4%) post-operative encounters within the first 48 hours were EDV and 98 (18.8%) were readmissions. Fraction of EDV within later encounters was in 69.6–71.1% range. Most frequent reasons for EDV were urinary complaints (24.1%, 10.6% and 4.0% on POD 0–2, 3–7, and 8–30, respectively), followed by pain control issues (18.1%, 24.9%, 14.4%) and delayed return of bowel function or constipation (10.5%, 9.9%, 3.4%). Readmissions mainly occurred for aforementioned GI complaints (15.3%, 19.9%, 6.9% on POD 0–2, 3–7, and 8–30, respectively), local surgical site infections (5.1%, 15.5%, 26.8%), and respiratory complications (8.2%, 6.6%, 4.1%). Conclusions 2.3% of all patients had at least one readmission while 6.4% patients had at least one EDV within 30 days following herniorrhaphy. Early postoperative EDV were mainly caused by urinary complaints, inadequately controlled pain, or delayed bowel function. Factors associated with these largely preventable complications require dedicated analysis.

Purpose Imposter phenomenon refers to feelings of inadequacy due to inability to internalize evident success. While high achievers such as physicians have been known to exhibit imposter phenomenon, there is limited literature specific to radiologists. Our purpose was to (1) investigate imposter phenomenon in radiologists and assess correlation with burnout, and (2) pilot an intervention aimed at addressing imposter phenomenon through improvisational theater techniques. Methods Part 1 - Clinical radiology faculty at a single large academic medical center completed an anonymous survey with questions related to demographics, burnout (derived from the validated Mini-Z assessment tool), and imposter phenomenon. Part 2 - A one-hour interactive workshop on imposter phenomenon was organized for the radiology department at the same institution. The workshop included the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). A post-workshop survey rating was also performed. Results Part 1 - Of 30 clinical radiology faculty who participated in the survey, 83% reported feelings of imposter phenomenon during their career. There was significant (p = 0.024) correlation between imposter phenomenon and burnout. Part 2 - Of 21 members of the Department of Radiology who completed the CIPS in the interactive workshop, 71% exhibited frequent or intense symptoms of imposter phenomenon. On the post-workshop survey asking participants to rate the workshop, the mean score was 4.4 and the mode score was 5 on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Conclusion Imposter phenomenon affects radiologists and is correlated with burnout. Innovative interventions to address imposter phenomenon such as workshops utilizing medical improvisational techniques are well-received.

Method for nanomechanical and morphological mapping of the brain using atomic force microscopy (AFM) on live slices has been developed. The conditions and parameters for obtaining live brain slices that meet the requirements of AFM using a composite hydrogel have been selected, and the necessary characteristics of the probes have been established. On the live brain slices, maps of nanomechanical and morphological characteristics of normal tissues and glioblastoma were obtained.